NSW Premier League Predictions
Under 12 Boys
The under 12s age group as always promises much excitement. Unlike last season where the top 4 was finalised midway through the season, this years competition promises to be a lot closer and much more exciting.
The Hawkesbury Commodores are the unbackable favourites. Coach Frank Zappia has a squad that every club would envy. With names such as Loupis, Tanner, Rizovski and star target Ritchie Darko this talent laden squad should easily take the Premiership title. The Commodores biggest threat should be that of Sydney Benfica. Lorenzo D?Addonas? squad hold 2 of the most devastating attacking weapons in the competition in Steve Kuzmanovski and the brilliant Panos Armenakas, those two alone will wreak havoc, whilst Luke Perreira will also be a welcome addition. The minor spots in the top 4 could come from any of four squads. The Inner West Allstars and Sydney City Eagles seem to have the front running on the rest of the competition for 3rd and 4th whilst we wont be to quick to rule out the Warriors from Dural. The Young Warriors have put together a very handy little side whilst the Mascot Vipers also shouldn?t be written off.
Under 12 Girls
The Under 12 girls age group is a new age group implemented for this season therefore has all the question marks. The Campelltown City Quake seem to be the front runners with their brilliant pre season form. The 10-1 demolition against Premier league rivals Sydney Benfica in a preseason trial and their performance at the 5 Star tournament final gives that opinion high credence.
The Western Raiders squad is a team that the Westerners have high aspirations for while the newly promoted Dural Warriors is another squad that will turn many heads this seasons led by Erin Pridmore. The final semi final position could go anywhere. The Inner West Allstars led by Emily Kos might just have the edge over a Princess Ibini led Eagles squad whilst Sydney Benfica could also challenge for that last top 4 spot.
Under 14 Boys
The under 14s competition is wide open, and is one which has many questions still to be answered. The Sydney City Eagles will start the competition as favourites. With the return of Bruno Antelmi and the very talented duo of Peter Makrillos and Blair Brown the Eagles are a very good chance to take out the title. Benfica have pulled off a nice little recruitment drive with the signings of young goal keeper Benji Maruca, Nicholas Tarasenko and the deadly Mohammed Quasimi from the Western Raiders. The Raiders are also a chance, any team that has Hagi Gligor in it has a shot and with Nick Pepper back again the Raiders are feeling confident.
The Inner West Allstars should also be there abouts and with the recruitment of last seasons goalkeeper of the year in John Dimitrakas and Pauli Zrno from Sydney City as well as Dylan Caton in their ranks the Allstars have a better than average chance. Last seasons Champions the Mascot Vipers under experienced coach Erkin Osman will be led by captain Daniel Fornito and with James Demetriou and Chris Economidis returning they could lead the Vipers to the title.
Under 14 Girls
If you could bet on the Futsal Premier League the under 14 girls competition would be untenable, such is the strength of the Inner West Allstars side. Last season the Allstars were led by one standout player in Sarah Yatim, this season Yatim has the equally brilliant Kristy Pavlicevic to team up with. Without doubt the top 2 players in the entire competition in this age group. Together they should run amuck. Under the guidance of both Joe Baldacci and Zoran Pavlicevic three other members of the all conquering Commodores side from last season have also made the trek to Homebush along with Pavlicevic, Jess Dominello, Lucy Metcalfe and Charlene Borg also swapped jerseys and should see the Allstars take this one out.
Their main opposition will be that of the Rob Hill led Mascot Vipers. Hill who made the trek to Menai after the relegation of the West City Crusaders has put together a side that could rival the Allstars. Led by brilliant keeper Cassandra Nader the Vipers also have Zoi Gomes and Emily Usherwood ready to take the fight to their more fancied rivals. Campelltown City Quake is the other name suggested as finalists is this age group. The bottom spot in the four should come from either the Western Raiders, Sydney City or the Alysse Tasevski led Benfica side.
Under 16 Boys
The under 16 Boys is another age group which could go either way. The Inner West Allstars will start favourites for the competition with a squad that has been together for many seasons. The majority of Carmine Bortones? squad which won this age group last season all return leaving the Allstars as rightful favourites. But there will be immense competition.
Campelltown City Quake, last seasons under 14s Champions will be one side the Allstars will need to look over their shoulder for. Having already beaten the Allstars in the 5 Star preseason Cup the young Quake side led by new signing Vince Costa and the enigmatic duo Daniel Vellonio and Mark Vukovic will be there abouts as will the Sydney City Eagles. Excellent young goal keeper Aaron Messina, Sam Perre and Jordan Crighton will be called upon to lead the young Eagle side whilst last seasons Premiers in the u/14s, the Mascot Vipers have to deal with the losses of Giancarlo Gallifouco and Steven Illic on a regular basis but still have the very talented Dimitri Daaboul and Dylan Vorster to press for semi final contention. The smokey in the 16 boys in our opinion are the Hawkesbury Commodores, the signings of Keifer Dotti and Alexander Doyle give the Commodores an outside chance.
Under 16 Girls
The under 16 girls is another competition that will go down to the wire but in our opinion has only a handful of teams which can win the competition. The Inner West Allstars, last seasons champions Campelltown Quake and Sydney Benfica should be the 3 teams vying for the silver wear come seasons end.
With their victory over Quake in the 5 Star tournament and Benficas disappointing performance the Allstars go into the season as favourites. Premiers last season, the squad remained and with the recruitment of talented duo Maree Patikas and Carmel Di Marco from Sydney University the Allstars go into the season as favourites.
Sydney Benfica have been a quality side for many seasons and it is now time for the Benfica girls to show what they have in the Premier League. Coached by Ross Anderson the squad led by Sherel Alpkaya and Jessica Beale should push Allstars all the way. Quake is the third squad that could win the title. Last seasons champions still have a number of players from the title winning squad available and with the always successful Tom Thompson as coach Quake have a great chance to repeat. The Mascot Vipers should see out the top 4 and with star Doris Osman wearing the green and black, the Vipers should be good enough to see off the remainder off the opposition to seal semi final Futsal.
Youth Mens
The Youth Mens will be one of the best competitions this year. Any team in could have aspirations to win the title. The two standout teams are the Sydney City Eagles and the Inner West Allstars.
The Eagles led by the stars Aaron Cimitile, Jamal Saliba and Chris Hanly plus the addition of new recruit Miki Awad the Eagles have a great chance to reverse last seasons Championship loss. While last seasons defending Champions the Allstars who come back totally intact for another run at the title. Any side with the likes of Daniel Fogarty and Kane Wright have a great chance and the inclusion of Shayne Ardle with only strengthen an already formidable side.
The Mascot Vipers are the F4A tip to make a massive splash within this season competition. Mitchell Stamatellis, Pat and twin brother Brad Di Salvo will again be the engine behind a well oiled Mascot Vipers machine who on their day can and will match any opposition. It wouldn?t surprise us if it is the Vipers who break the hold of the big two. The 4th semi final spot like suggested could go anywhere. Sydney Benfica would?ve originally been our tip with a squad that consists of players such as Pandolfa, Poniris and Oliveria but with Benfica icon and superstar Husky Akil having signed for Sydney F.C, the club have lost their prime player.
Quake who has dominated the age group for the past 3 seasons will always be a chance. Under the guidance of a very good coach Dom Helene the squad will rely on sizzling stars Emmanuel Harihuru and David Von Dinklage whilst the signings of Micheal Candy and Justin Faint give Quake a more than handy side. The Western Raiders will also be a squad which can?t be taken lightly, the loss of the freakish Raymond Miller to the Sydney F.C will hurt as will that of Shayne Ardle but with Reece Diaz in their squad the Raiders can cause an upset on any given night. But our tip to round out the top 4 is the Dural Warriors. Coached by the enigmatic Rob Varela. The Rhys Giovenali led squad have an abundance of talent and whilst being a very young squad under the guidance of Varela the Warriors have the making of a top 4 side.
Open Womens
The Open Womens competition like the Youth and the Open Mens is another very tight age group to call. Unfortunately this season quality players such as Cannulli, Uzunlar, Polias, Simon, Kingsley,and Jarvie will all be absent and unavailable to play because of their W League commitments which is a massive loss of talent within the competition.
The Sydney City Eagles will start the season as one of the favourites. With new signings Nichole Laws, Renee Tonkins and Kahlee Doyle to go along with experienced Eagles stalwards Cowie, Bowering and Perfillio, the new blend of young and experienced should see the Eagles reclaim their past glory days. Last seasons champions the Mascot Vipers will be out to retain their 3 peat of last season but the loss of Alex Smith and two of their main attacking weapons in Cergovski and Cannulli will hurt the reigning coach of the year Zvi Ben David?s chances. In their place have come in Tameka Wearing and Laura Elliott and with Hayley Buckingham and Georgina Stylianou as well as the experienced Antonella Oliva in goals the Vipers will still be there abouts.
Inner West Allstars have recruited the crown jewel in womens Futsal, Natalie Spirovski. Player of the Year for the past 2 seasons any team which has the irrepressible Spirovski on their team sheet have a chance. Joining Spirovski in the Allstars attack is young star Natasha Lo Giudice and new recruit Amanda Cergovski. This squad should go very close to finally attaining the title after being so near last season. Sydney Benfica under new coach Ian Skeogh have put together a very nice little side in their first foray into Premier league and looks more than capable of taking on the big guns. Skeogh has brought in the majority of his NSW Lightning squad from last season which includes Lauren Moore, Rio Fleming and Chanel Turner. The mixture of youth and experience should bide well for Benfica?s top 4 push.
Campelltown City Quake is a team F4A suggests everyone should keep an eye on. While the loss of Caitlin Jarvie will hurt, the team still has enough quality in Leesa Thompson, Sarah Walsh and Rebecca Nelson to mount a serious challenge but must improve on their 5 Star performance. The Western Raiders might have a side that could surprise a few people, having signed some quality players in the offseason. With Daniela Pagano and Frances Dimino as well as ACT representative Shona Robson coach Madani is hopeful that he might just have a squad that can take him back to semi final Futsal.
The Dural Warriors will be the youngest of the clubs competing but have a host of talented young Futsal players such as Jackie Frier, Demelza Howard and the brilliant Rachel Hui which could cause a few shocks along the way. The Hawkesbury Commodores will again be led by Michelle Dingwall and the return of Justine Mc Laughlin should see the experienced side are no pushovers.
Open Mens
The Open Mens competition just like the Youth competition is very hard to call. Without doubt the closest of all the age groups it makes for a very close and interesting season.
The Sydney City Eagles will start the season favourites. Coached by NSW Thunder coach Jamie Amendolia the Eagles have recruited the entire Magic men?s team who have been winners for the past two seasons and includes NSW players Musumeci, Gomes, Paine and Maloney. When you add Futsalroos Zeballos and Spathis the team looks unbeatable. The remaining clubs vying for second position and down could be anyone. Campelltown City Quake under new coach and former Eagle Ralph Capasso have gone for a youthful team this season and will rely upon representative stars Martinez, Symmington, Cao and the return of prodigal son Gavin O Brien to lead the Minto based club back to the final.
Sydney Benfica, last seasons Super League Champions have retained the majority of their winning squad of last season which include their always present Brazilian contingent led by Osmar De Barros while the always reliable Josh Da Palma returns in goals. The Benfica side are very physical and unpredictable and will be a real thorn in many teams side this season. The Dural Warriors the Premiers of last seasons Super League have some great talent and in Rhys Giovenali and Ben Lawson the Warriors have a one, two punch as good as anyone else in the competition.
The Inner West Allstars for all their talent over the years became very stale and under the tutorledge of Futsalroo Captain Lachlan Wright the Allstars have a whole new look this season. In comes former Futsalroo Ben Lam and NSW goal keeper Roberto Maiorana whilst Troy Eedy will be the revelation of the season and F4As preseason tip for end of season silverware. Throw in Futsalroo Adrian Vizzari and the Allstars have a good chance to break back into the top 4. The Mascot Vipers are another club that could just as easily finish in the top 4. The combination of the Issa brothers and Ruben Lagos are instrumental in the luck of the side whilst the return of Daniel Mc Cann will also strengthen the squad but as always Yavus Ekinci is the man that will define the Vipers season. Last seasons Player of the Year, Ekinci will decide why, where, when, how and if the Vipers play semi final Futsal this season such is his quality, but it?s not anything the star hasn?t had resting on his shoulders before.
The Hawkesbury Commodores under Brett Duval are always a strong and intimidating side and any team with the Dingwall brothers, Shane Linton and Billy Tsioumos are always competitive. With the competition being so close, the experience and continuity of the Commodores might just be enough to see themselves fighting for title come seasons end. The Western Raiders and experienced coach Mark Cotter?s dependence on Youth might be its short fall this season. With last seasons Goal keeper of the year in Peter Akers back on board Mark Lancaster and the signing of heralded Simon Zarah the Raiders won?t be a pushover. Never one to be shy on promoting talented youth players this season might be the start of someone special for years to come for Cotter and the Raiders but not this season.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
Without Sydney Magic this time round, the all important Club Championship trophy will find a new home for the first time in four seasons.
But it might not be too far away from those who have held it throughout that time.
The Inner West Allstars will start clear favourites for the title as best club in the state having secured many players and coaches from the previous Champions. The Allstars have a number of teams that should take home silverware come seasons end with the u/14 girls being the standout.
As always the powerful Bankstown based club the Sydney City Eagles will be soaring near the top of the table and look to be the Allstars biggest threat. The Eagles have quite a few squads that look the goods. Their Open Men?s side are the pick of the bunch.
Campelltown City Quake is another club that are always toward to the top end and this season shouldn?t be any different. The 16 boys look to be their best bet for a title come seasons end.
The remaining clubs all seem quite evening matched.
Sydney Benfica whilst only just promoted should defy the odds of being promoted and going straight back down and could even finish in the top half of the table, battling it out with the Mascot Vipers for 4th Position.
The Dural Warriors another club who played Super League Futsal last season should also defy the odds of being relegated and will battle the Western Raiders for the next spot on the table while the season looks grim for the proud Hawkesbury Commodores club. Their reliance of their always powerful female program which has left the club this season could prove a massive hit for the Commodores but with excellent sides in the 12 boys and Mens the Commodores will be out to defy the critics and retain their Premier League status.
source: Futsal4All
